Laptop transport and support system for mobile environments

[0002] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/940,140 filed on Aug. 27, 2001, Now U.S. Pat. No. 6,659,319, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] The present invention relates to a laptop computer storage and transportation device, and more specifically to a personal transportation, handling and support system for a portable computing device adaptable to a mobile environment.

[0004] Laptop computer carrying cases exhibit a broad range of features related to ease of carrying, storage capability, and functionality. However, while current laptop computer carrying cases have generally proven to be satisfactory for their applications, each is associated with its share of limitations. One major limitation with many current carrying cases for laptop computers and related computing devices is their inability to provide a fold-down work area that permits a laptop computer or other computing device to remain in the carrying case while the laptop computer or computing device is in use. The need to remove the laptop computer from its carrying case during use necessitates the laptop's placement on a separate work area and requires a separate storage space for the carrying case.

[0005] Another problem of carrying devices lies in their inability to adapt to a seatback when a user desires to operate his or her computer in a mobile environment, such as while on an airplane, automobile, bus, train, etc. This problem has been indirectly addressed by the prior art through the incorporation of “service trays” that store in seatbacks of seats positioned in front of users, and, which fold down to permit travelers to eat, write, read, etc. However, the typical airline seatback service tray was not designed for a laptop computer, so their use is one of adaptation and not specific design.

[0006] The problems associated with service trays are many. First, the service tray does not angularly adjust when the seatback, to which the service tray is attached, reclines. Second, when the service tray must be stowed to permit an adjacent passenger to exit the same row as the computer user, the computer must be lifted with one hand while the service tray is restored to its stowed position with the user's remaining hand. This creates a cumbersome situation for the computer user.

[0007] Another limitation with current computing device carrying cases is their lack of a hard surface which can serve as a work area. Current computing device carrying cases do not provide such a feature and require the user to locate an alternate hard surface such as a table or chair when such a surface is desired.

[0008] Still yet another limitation of current computing device carrying cases is their inability to employ external computing devices while the devices are connected and concealed within the carrying case. The prior art has minimally addressed the accommodation of external devices by supplying compartments and pockets in which to store external devices but the prior art does not permit those devices to be utilized in conjunction with the computing device while the devices are in their stowed positions within a carrying case.

[0009] Another limitation with current computing device carrying cases lies in their lack of a docking port to quickly provide access to on-board peripheral devices and a power source. The prior art solution to connecting to external devices requires individually connecting the devices to the computer.

[0010] Still yet another limitation with current computing device carrying cases lies in the lack of an on-board privacy screen. The prior art solution to any necessary privacy, with regard to carrying cases, involves simply closing the case cover to shield the contents on the computer screen. The problem with this approach to privacy is that it is cumbersome to invoke and actually requires the computer user to stop working when the case top is closed.

[0011] What is needed then is a device that does not suffer from the above limitations. This in turn, will provide a mobile computing device carrying case with a self-supporting fold-down user work area, a method of adjustable support from a user seat for the carrying case and fold-down work area, a hard surface work area, a docking port and means to accommodate external or spare devices while stored in the case, and privacy for the user.

[0012] In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a laptop computer transport and support system (LCTSS) for mobile environments is disclosed. The system provides a mobile carrying case containing detachable backpack straps that are capable of securing to a laptop user's seatback. Additionally, the system provides a base portion hinged with a cover portion permitting the user to position the cover portion wherever he/she desires relative to the base. Furthermore, the system provides dual pull-out carrying handle rods that also serve as standoff rods to provide a user with sufficient horizontal clearance to comfortably operate a laptop with the support system in place. Finally, the system provides optional, retractable docking station ports to permit the laptop to be quickly plugged into a power source and peripheral devices in a compartmentalized system base.

[0013] In one preferred embodiment, the LCTSS for mobile environments includes a base portion and a cover portion. Along one edge of each portion a ratcheting piano-type hinge permits the case to open, close and maintain any open position without support rods or other devices. The balance of the mating portion closes with a zipper. Additionally, the LCTSS provides a sliding or retractable hard surface to accommodate an external pointing device or to provide work space. Dual sliding rods attached to a handle permit a user to pull the LCTSS on built-in wheels. Furthermore, the LCTSS includes adjustable shoulder straps permitting the LCTSS to be carried as a backpack, or which can be used as adjustable support straps when the LCTSS is attached to a user's seatback while in use as a support system. Finally, when the LCTSS is in use as a support system, the retractable handle rods are user adjustable and provide clearance between the computing device and the user.

[0014] In another preferred embodiment, the LCTSS includes a compartmentalized peripheral device area capable of housing peripheral computing devices, power dividers, computer cables and cords or other computer components. The compartmentalized peripheral area replaces the standard base of the above-described embodiment.

[0015] In yet another preferred embodiment, the LCTSS includes a retractable docking port permitting the laptop or computing device to be quickly plugged thereinto in order to access an optional compartmentalized base portion. The retractable docking port permits the laptop to be coupled to a battery and a charging system, and a host of computer peripherals such as a CD-ROM, floppy disk drives, battery or additional computer related devices.

[0016] The features, functions, and advantages can be achieved independently in various embodiments of the present inventions or may be combined in yet other embodiments.

[0017] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0018] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a laptop computer transport and support system for mobile environments shown in its open position;

[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the laptop computer transport and support system for mobile environments in its open position showing an optional compartmentalized base;

[0021] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the laptop computer transport and support system for mobile environments in its closed position showing an optional compartmentalized base, wheels, and retractable handle;

[0022] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the laptop computer transport and support system for mobile environments in its closed position showing detachable backpack straps in a seat-support mode, wheels, and retractable handle;

[0023] FIG. 4A is an enlarged view of the end of the C-hook of the shoulder strap attached to the U-ring on the base of the system;

[0024] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an optional compartmentalized base showing compartments for computer peripherals;

[0025] FIG. 6 is the side view of a laptop Computer transport and support system for mobile environments attached to a seatback in one of its in-use positions;

[0026] FIG. 7 is a rear view of the seatback showing how the support strap C-hooks interlock behind a headrest of the seatback;

[0027] FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of the system showing a hinge with a representative pawl and sector ratcheting system;

[0028] FIG. 8A illustrates the hinge of FIG. 8 in greater detail;

[0029] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a retractable docking station showing computer docking ports;

[0030] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a side or rear of a computer showing representative computer docking ports; and

[0031] FIG. 11 is a side view of the laptop computer transport and support system for mobile environments in its closed position and being transported as a backpack.

[0032] The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

[0033] With reference to FIG. 1 of the drawings, the laptop computer transport and support system (LCTSS) 10 for mobile environments is depicted. The LCTSS 10 provides a system for transporting and employing a computing device such as a laptop computer 12. It should be noted that while a laptop computer 12 is shown and discussed as the device used in conjunction with the principles of the present invention, virtually any personal computing device can be adapted for use with the LCTSS 10. The LCTSS 10 exhibits a cover 14 and a base 16 which pivots about a hinge 18 which runs along the length of one juncture between the cover 14 and base 16. FIG. 8 shows a view of the hinge 18 which possesses a ratcheting mechanism 20. The ratcheting mechanism 20 is comprised of a biased pawl 22 and a sector 24. The pawl 22 may be biased using a metal with sufficient resilient or elastic characteristics, or a spring 26 located internally or externally to the pawl 22 may bias the pawl 22. However biased, the pawl 22 biases into the sector 24 yet permits cover 14 rotation clockwise and counter-clockwise under user-supplied hand forces. Furthermore, sufficient force is provided by the pawl 22 to restrain cover 14 movement when the cover 14 is under its own weight or when the cover 14 is in an in-use arrangement with storage pockets 28 and 30 full of diskettes or other supplies. Regardless of the cover's 14 open position or the items stored in the cover 14, pivoting will not occur unless an external force is applied. When the LCTSS 10 cover 14 is closed, or the LCTSS 10 is being transported, a zipper 32 running along the non-hinged edges of the cover 14 and base 16 is normally in its mated position as shown in FIG. 3.

[0034] With continued reference to FIG. 1, additional features of the LCTSS 10 will be explained. The basic system of the LCTSS 10 supports a laptop computer 12 in a central location on the base 16. An associated recess 34 in the cover 14 encompasses the laptop 12 and provides protection when the cover 14 is in its closed position of FIG. 3. The LCTSS 10 additionally possesses sliding shelves 36 and 38 located on each side of the base 16 to serve as a location for a mouse or other pointing device or simply as additional user work space. The laptop computer 12 typically secures to the base 16 with bottom-mounted VELCRO® hook and loop style fastening cloth strips 40 and 42, shown in phantom, or securing straps (not shown).

[0035] A major advantage of the LCTSS 10 is that it possess adjustable shoulder straps 44 and 46 which allow the LCTSS 10 to be carried as a backpack, as shown in FIG. 11. With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 4, features of the shoulder straps 44 and 46 will now be explained. Shoulder strap 44 possesses a C-hook 48 opposite a rod end 52. A C-hook 50 also resides at an end of shoulder strap 46. The C-hook 48 attaches and detaches from the cover 14 by means of a quick connector 54, commonly known in the art.

[0036] Continuing with reference to FIG. 11, the C-hook 50 of the shoulder strap 46 generally conforms to the shoulder 56 of a user 58 making the LCTSS 10 easily transportable. Additionally, the C-hook 50 serves a dual purpose of generally conforming to a seatback 60 (FIG. 6) to secure the LCTSS 10 when in use, but also may interface behind a headrest 62 of the seatback 60 by interlocking the C-hooks 48 and 50 as shown in FIG. 7. Interlocking C-hooks 48 and 50 behind the headrest 62 of the seatback 60 may be necessary in the event a user's seat is mounted against a wall, or the seatback portion is slanted or contoured in such a way that the C-hooks cannot be accommodated over the seatback 60.

[0037] Turning to the end of the shoulder straps 44 and 46 opposite the C-hooks, FIG. 1 shows strap rods 64 and 66. Turning to strap rod 66, shoulder strap 46 attaches to and pivots about strap rod 66. Furthermore, strap rod 66 retracts within base 16 when the LCTSS 10 is being carried as a backpack as shown in FIGS. 4 and 11 but extends to the position shown in FIG. 1 when the laptop computer 12 of the LCTSS 10 is being used in one of its intended positions as shown in FIG. 6. The extension of strap rod 66 during laptop use permits the shoulder strap 46 to be used as a support strap and remain outside of a user's immediate work area. Furthermore, the extension of strap rod 66 permits the LCTSS 10 to be used in conjunction with a detachable privacy screen 68. When the privacy screen 68 is in use, the strap rod 64 is in an extended position so the strap 44 will not interfere with the view of the laptop computer 12. Additionally, a privacy screen attaches to the opposite side of the LCTSS 10. If privacy is not necessary or desired, the privacy screen is detachable and storable in compartment 70. The privacy screen 68 attaches by any of a number of methods such as VELCRO® hook and loop style fastening cloth, zippers, etc. Alternatively, the privacy screen 68 could be permanently attached to the LCTSS 10 and not detachable.

[0038] Turning to FIGS. 1, 4 and 11, the LCTSS 10 includes a retractable handle 72 having retractable handle rods 74 and 76. Handle rods 74 and 76 each have a handle portion 78 and 80 which connect at the end of the handle rods 74 and 76. Additionally, the handle portions 78 and 80 connect to each other using a quick connection mechanism (not shown). Upon detaching handle portions 78 and 80, each folds against and becomes parallel to its respective handle rod via hinges 82 and 84, respectively. Alternatively, each handle portion 78 and 80 may detach from its respective handle rod 74 and 76.

[0039] An exemplary use of the LCTSS 10 will now be explained with primary reference to FIGS. 1, 4, 6, and 8-11. Typically, the user 58 (FIG. 11) will carry the LCTSS 10 on his or her back, or alternatively, the LCTSS 10 may be transported using its retractable handle 72 and on-board wheels 86 and 88 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. When desiring use of the LCTSS 10, a user simply sits into a seat 90 as shown in FIG. 6 and slides strap rods 64 and 66 from their retracted positions of FIG. 4 outwardly to the position shown in FIG. 1. Continuing with reference to FIG. 4, the C-hook 50 of shoulder strap 46 is detached from the cover 14 using its quick connector (not shown) and C-hook 50 is secured over the seatback 60. The same is done with shoulder strap 44 and C-hook 48 using the quick connector 54. In the event a seatback 60 will not accommodate the C-hooks 48 and 50, they may alternately be placed around headrest 62 and interlocked as shown in FIG. 7. Next, handle portions 78 and 80 are disconnected to make handle rods 74 and 76 available for extension to provide support and a desired amount of standoff. Standoff 92 is depicted in FIG. 6 as the distance between a seatback 60 and a front surface 94 of the LCTSS 10. The amount of standoff 92 will depend upon user preference and the position of seatback 60. When the LCTSS 10 is suspended as depicted in FIG. 6, the handle rods 74 and 76 permit the LCTSS 10 weight to act against the seatback 60 as opposed to a user (not shown) if the handle portions 78 and 80 were not removed or disconnected.

[0040] Turning now to FIGS. 2 and 5, another embodiment of the LCTSS 10 includes an optional compartment base 96 that is interchangeable with the base 16 of FIG. 1. The compartment base 96 consists of a series of inter-connected compartments A-F that may house computer related devices, accessible through a plurality of zipper slots 98, one for each compartment. The compartment base 96 shown in FIG. 5 contains six compartments, however, those skilled in the art will realize that the compartment base 96 may contain as many compartments as are necessary to fulfill the desired use. Utilizing compartments A-F may take on a variety of scenarios and permit the LCTSS 10 to realize multiple capabilities. The compartment devices capable of filling the compartments may comprise, but are not limited to, a power supply, storage batteries, a CD-ROM, a tape drive, a floppy disk drive, and a battery charger. The compartments A-F are interconnected so device cords and cables may be routed in the compartment base 96 via wire access holes 100 to minimize exterior cables routed from compartment to compartment or from a compartment to the laptop computer 12. Since no components of the system 10 are actually part of the compartment base 96 itself, components are easily interchangeable and easily upgradeable with changing technology. Compartment base 96 is easily interchangeable with the base 16 by utilizing a plurality of mounting holes 102 with a standard fastener.

[0041] Still yet another embodiment of the system involves further integration of compartment base 96. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment above in that it utilizes the compartment base 96, however this embodiment utilizes a flip-up docking station port 104 resident above the compartment base 96 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 9. FIG. 9 shows that the docking station port 104 typically has representative docking ports 106 and 108 enabling a user to simply flip up the docking station port 104 and slide computer plugs 110 and 112 (FIG. 10) of the laptop computer 12 into docking ports 106 and 108. The docking station port 104 is modular so that accommodation of various brands of laptop plug configurations is possible by utilizing a standard adapter (not shown). In this embodiment, the compartment base 96 also has interconnected compartments A-F as shown in FIG. 5, so no cables or cords need exit the compartments through the zippered slots 98 along the sides of the compartment base 96. Power to all internal devices is supplied by a power supply with cords routed through wire access holes 100. However, a user could utilize external cords if necessary. Additionally, the peripheral devices connect within the compartment base 96 to the docking station port 104 so the laptop computer 12 may simply be pushed into the docking station port 104 to access all devices. This eliminates the need for a user to connect individual cables to their respective ports on the laptop computer 12. To successfully conduct communications of any type between the laptop computer 12 and the docking station port 104, the laptop computer 12 itself is again held firmly to the compartment base 96 with straps or VELCRO® hook and loop style fastening cloth strips to assure signal integrity across the docking station port 104. Also, because of the compartment base 96, a resident power supply will permit standby re-charge of two storage batteries, one in the laptop and one in a compartment A-F, as long as the system is connected to an external power source. “Seat power” is that AC or DC power supplied at a seat location in an aircraft, bus, or any other mobile environment. “Automobile power” is typically DC power supplied to the interior of an automobile, traditionally through a cigarette lighter, well known in the art.

[0042] The laptop computer 12 may remain in place and plugged into the docking station port 104 in the LCTSS 10 to retain full expanded capabilities, or simply be removed from the LCTSS 10 and hand carried for use as a traditional, low weight laptop computer with reduced capabilities. If removed, when the laptop computer 12 is returned to the LCTSS 10, expanded capabilities are again available via the docking station port 104 which permits access to the devices resident in compartments A-F of compartment base 96.

[0043] The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.